Over 1,100 Students Set To Take Part In The Young Scientist Exhibition

For the 59th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition on Wednesday, more than 1,100 school children will travel to Dublin’s RDS (BTYSTE).

This year, after two virtual exhibitions, the event—which highlights research and innovation in STEM—will take place in person for the first time since the pandemic.

The 2023 show will be formally opened by President Michael D. Higgins at a ceremony for the kids, teachers, and exhibition partners.
The ceremony will also be live-streamed on Facebook Live and the BTYSTE website from 2 pm.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, President Higgins said: “May I offer my best wishes and good luck to all of the students participating in this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, and may I pay a special tribute to all those teachers and parents who have been such an essential source of encouragement as well as all those who have played a role in organizing this year’s event.

“What a great time it is to be a young scientist – challenging, yes, but so potentially fulfilling to know that the choices you make will have effects that are important, not just for your own time but for the very possibility of life in its diverse forms, on our vulnerable planet.

“May I suggest to all of you that as a young scientist, you will be at your best, and achieve the greatest fulfillment for yourself and others, when you locate your contribution within a commitment to be concerned and contributing global citizens.”

The exhibition has become one of the leading school STEM exhibitions in Europe organized by BT Ireland. It has attracted over 100,000 student participants since the first event in 1965.

Managing director of BT Ireland; Shay Walsh, said: “BT Ireland is delighted to provide this platform for school students to share their extraordinary ideas.

“During our 23 years as a custodian, I am always amazed by the high caliber of the projects on show, addressing some of the major challenges our world is currently facing.

“I wish the students the best of luck this week, and hope they take brilliant memories from this unique exhibition. For anyone looking for inspiration and a tonic in January, I’d encourage them to visit and be uplifted by these young people and their talent.”

The 550 projects from 212 schools that cover technology, biological and ecological sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and chemical, physical, and mathematical sciences make up the exhibition’s centerpiece.

The BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year 2023 will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, January 13th at 5.30 pm after being judged by the 80+ member judging panel. The ultimate prize winner or winners will also be given a check worth €7,500 and the BTYSTE permanent trophy.

In September, the winner will represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Brussels.